Brownton has been named one of four initial communities for an educational solar installation by the city’s wholesale electrical supplier, the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA), under the agency’s new Hometown Solar Grant Program.
“The Hometown Solar Grants are an extension of MMPA’s Energy Education Program, and are meant to provide an educational asset to each community that will help teach students and community members about how sunlight is converted into electricity, and the unique characteristics of solar power,” said Steve Schmidt, MMPA chairman.
The next step for Brownton is for an educational facility, such as a school, community center or library, to apply for the grant by Oct. 30. Grant recipients will receive a 5kW solar installation to be located at their facility. Applications have been sent to educational facilities and grants are expected to be awarded early next year. Installations are planned for completion in 2016.
MMPA will award four grants each year for three years, providing all 12 of MMPA’s member communities the opportunity to participate.
For more see the Sept. 23 print edition of The Chronicle.
